Fashizblack March/April 2011 Luxury Issue is out now!

Uber lush Fashizblack March/April 2011 Luxury Issue is out now and has a fabulous piece about Luxury life in Ghana by yours truly. This bi-monthly online glossy dedicated to fashion, beauty and culture by and for the Black Community is a must read! You can check this issue and many more at: http://fashizblack.com/ ….Enjoy xx

I know ‘My Redeemer Lives’ – [as sang by Nicole C Mullen]

I don’t know what's going on; –my mind wants to write about fashion but my heart and soul –wants to [only] praise God –right now. Well......today –I found out that I love God more than what –anyone could possibly think of me! He is bigger than fashion, bigger than my fears, bigger than my wants –and there I say it.....bigger than my dreams. I know that my Redeemer lives –and I’m not ashamed of the gospel.

Don’t make anyone bigger than you; they are the same as you –but remember, -to never make yourself bigger than God. You must have reverence for God –because without it, -a person is never [truly] beautiful.

My mother and I have always had a somewhat ...non existence relationship [most of my life]. But a few days ago, -we met up and embraced, cried together and let all the past go.....all by Gods perfect grace..... And I feel so light; so free, so Blessed, so redeemed, so born again, –so happy....so alive –and beautiful. A lifetime of not feeling a certain kind of love –has ended. My heart’s no longer missing a piece...Thank you daddy God.....Paulina Opoku-Gyimah...xx

Redeemed:
To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum.
To fulfill (a pledge, for example).
To set free; rescue or ransom.
To save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences.
To make up for:
To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of:

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY –FASHION ET AL…xx

OMGoodness Fashion et al’s a year old! I’m sooo happy [I could fly]….Thank you all for reading, writing to me and just ‘being’ there! As you all know -Fashion et al isn’t just another Fashion blog! Like you, I have many layers –and ‘just’ writing another ‘fashion blog’ would never be enough for me! So thanks for sticking with me through the fabulously unpredictable, ‘real’, ‘out-side-the-box’ ride –that is Fashion et al…..xx


P.s I’ll have a celebratory drink [later on] when King Alex’s in bed….and I’m doing ‘me time’. Paulina xx

Christ Birthday 2009 was the best....

I have been meaning to put up my Christ Birthday 2009 photos forever. My baby [Alexander ‘Jojo’], his father and me –had a really great time [just the three of us. After years of finding it very, very difficult to be in the same room [myself and my baby’s father] –we were finally able [by God’s grace] to accept errrm....stuff and let go of all the disappointments. Alexander had the time of his life.....

As always; Christ Birthday started with Alexander and me putting the Christmas tree and ‘our’ kind’ of decorations -up. I’m not a tinselly person but I do love baubles -so I put lots of clear glass vases filled with bauble [of ever colour] all around the flat. Then I shopped like a woman possessed –in the snow [I hasten to add]..

Father Christmas’s sledge made it annual appearance [right outside our window] –the day before my Alexander’s nativity play...At Alexander’s nativity play [the following day] -the older children [year two] had the main roles –so Alexander’s class [year one] took the minor roles and he was one of nine donkeys in the nativity –bless him, -and he done us proud.....[I think all the children have to play a role in school nativities –now, by law [hehehehe], –in my days there was only one donkey ...and if you didn’t have a role to play -you just sat down. My Alexander’s nativity had chickens, cows, a turkey and ‘all sorts’ bless them...





For our Christ Birthday dinner, I cooked Lamb, duck and the usual turkey....and my apple crumble went down –well. I forgot the crackers and I didn’t die...[two years ago this would have killed me]. We used the large white ‘Banana Republic’ plates and my very special white porcelain ‘Limoges’ bowls for our pudding.



I brought out our ‘Rudolph glasses’ and light candles and put flowers all around the house [mainly my favourite pink roses, orange gerberas and Lilies]...

Towards the end of the meal I made some herbal tea [I put it into my ancient bone China ‘Sandon’ Wedgwood teapot and used my latest favourite –hand painted vintage cup and saucer] –lovely . Alexander and his father then demanded hot chocolate.


After some light conversation; more laughter and the opening of presents, –uncle Kwame came to pick up the father and son duo –and took them -to his and auntie Stephanie’s new house in Watford...And me? Well I put my feet up and chilled out [Amen]...then did some blogging [just what the doctor ordered].....And how was your Christmas?...............xxx

Happy New Year ......2010 is the year of ‘New Beginnings’, ‘Restoration’ and ‘Recompense’ [Amen] ..the year of the Susan Boyle(s).....xx

It’s important to acknowledge and thank God that we [and ours] have made it into the New Year [Amen]! Its also important for me to thank my son [‘King’ Alexander ‘Jojo’ Opoku] for being a good boy –and for allowing me [well most days –anyway] to ‘do’ and to be ‘me’. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you [my fabulous readers –especially my subscribers] for your continued support.

I started this blog last year –after closing my model agency [well, the truth is –as a business, the agency was already over –but I was hanging onto it –as I fought to get funding for a magazine -I want to lunch later this year]. And so, my two blogs were born out of a need [a real need] -to keep ‘keeping on’ [Amen]. As you can tell, your sister Paulina just doesn’t do sitting still –and thus, these two blogs have been –and continue to be part of my healing [and my need to ‘express’ myself].

Many of you will relate –when I say that last year –wasn’t easy. A year of LESSONS and GROWTH and COMEBACKS [Amen], -2009 seemed to be a year of ‘one trial after another’ –but thank God that even if ‘weeping endures for a night, –joy will always come in the morning [to those who believe] -Amen. Also, many of us watched as one after another, -‘other’ less talented folks - jumped ahead or were promoted. Many of us had one door after another -shut in our faces –wondering why in the name of fashion did we choose our [chosen] professions, –whilst many [myself included] were literally resurrected like Lazarus from the grave [Amen] –but fear not, -2010 is not just about the ubiquitous fresh start [we all get at the beginning of the year] but about ‘Restoration’, ‘Recompense’ –and ‘Meritocracy’ [Amen]. God is going to restore all that was stolen from you [by the devil or anyone else]; all that was withheld from you’ –and [will] give you back what is rightfully ‘yours’ [Amen] -just like Susan Boyle [-you will dream a dream]!

You will not -be left behind. In fact, many will feel that you have been ‘fast tracked’ –as you overtake [them] and thrive. And note, you will find that the lessons learned [those very ‘lessons’ that once hurt you, -made ‘others’ pity you –and made you the focus of scorn and ridicule] –are the very lessons needed in the positions that God is promoting you too. Because when you have crawled back from hell –what can you not do, achieve or gain –by God’s Grace?

Remember, in 2010 you will not be left behind –but be in front [Amen]. You will be fabulous, ‘excellent’ and powerful but beware, –your ‘Blessings’ might just overwhelm you! Stay beautiful and keep loving…. Paulina Opoku-Gyimah xx

'Finding Your Feet Charity Fashion Show' for The Diana Award

The 'Finding Your Feet Charity Fashion Show' is only three weeks away -yippee! Showcasing the work of 14 new innovative fashion designers –at top celebrity nightclub, Movida -it promises to be a yummy night of; celebrities, press, raffles, an auction, -and fundraising for The Diana Award. Buy your tickets now!!! xxx

p.s I'm the head stylists so support your girl -Thanks xx

My so called life: I Feel Like Busting loose, Busting Loose....

“And you know, when you are in this predicament – just the wrong word / conversation ( cheapness, gossip, the mediocre, the ordinary, rubbish, boyfriend blah blahs, wot-less-ness, crap etc etc) can send you over the edge. And so I keep quiet, -picking and choosing whom, I let in -and whom, I leave out.”
Paulina Opoku-Gyimah


“Her drama is four years too late (I now love myself -and no longer feel the need to build friendships or relationships on -a foundation of damage or drama). Plus, my eyes were blown wide open -the day I gave birth to my beautiful son (the day, I entered into 'the' truth) -and started a journey of healing, self-love and deliverance -Amen.”
Paulina Opoku-Gyimah


I am in a place of, 'No Drama'. I simply cannot, 'do it' -any more. And even though, -I sometimes find myself 'doing it' -unwillingly, (whilst in the eye of the storm, per say, -because, -as Steven Spielberg said, 'Trials and Tribulations -are a given) -I can no longer do 'other people's -drama', 'fears' or, other people's sh-i-t-t-t. I am in a place where, I can no longer tolerate, -the mediocre, the ordinary or the self pity party (I used to be one, way, way back).

I am in a weird place -folks. A place where I wait, (only) for, 'GOD' (because, -there are times when only God can help). And I feel like, - I might be running out of Patience -but I know (in my higher self) -that God is doing a, 'WORK' and, that, -his time is the best time -Amen. Tapping into the higher me, -has left me quiet, (and some might say, - silent, and in a weird, weird place). I am not a quiet person (by nature) -and over night I have found myself -surprisingly, quiet (it must be the reason -I can't stop blogging). I have found, to my surprise, -that quietness, -is the only solution to my frustrations, and to my wants. And to function like a human being (e.g., love and look after my son, stay sane -whilst I wait on the Lord) – I have to keep still -and very quiet. Stillness and quietness -has enabled me to keep loving, and stay focused in a crazy and sometimes -desperate times. So, I type away (having a great time -folks) -keeping, the volcano inside of me, from erupting -Amen. Because, -like you, -I want to win. I want, what I want, and I want it like, -three years ago (but I know -my breakthrough is just around the corner -please God).

Sometimes, I feel like I am going to burst out of my skin; -like I am busting loose, -and cannot contain myself -and then I remember, 'God's goodness, -and his time, being -the BEST Time' -but it is not easy. I can no longer tolerate so many things -and stay away from them -like the plague. Past friend's -boyfriend Blah blahs -(who cares), people who have lost their drive -(and ambitions) -and are now too afraid to pursue their dreams (this pisses me off -big stylee. I guess I'm jealous, -because, they can walk away from their dreams -and I can't). I now steer clear of the unambitious and uncreative people (who has the time?) -and the worst, -past friends who want to party -like it's 1999, and go clubbing (what? - I am racing towards my -mid thirties and I need to establish things) -please...

I had a strange encounter, -a couple of days ago -via facebook. Someone I knew from school, -and bumped into -briefly last year (we exchanged numbers -and then my telephone number magically changed) -asked me to get in touch with her, -as she was going through a divorce, and will shortly be joining me (in single parenthood -can you believe this?). Also, she wants to talk to me about my business (I used to have a model agency -don't ask, or, -I will bust loose) -I am a lady, so I didn't reply (I believe that some things -are better left, unsaid).

Her drama is four years too late (I now love myself -and no longer feel the need to build friendships or relationships on -a foundation of damage or drama). Plus, my eyes were blown wide open -the day I gave birth to my beautiful son (the day, I entered into 'the' truth) -and started a journey of healing, self-love and deliverance -Amen. I also learnt some painful but valuable lessons. The first lesson ( and the most painful) -taught me responsibly, -that nobody (not God, -not my parents, not even my beautiful son) -owed me, anything (I thank God daily for his love, because even though -he owes me nothing -he loves me -Amen). The second lesson was, acceptance -folks (I have accepted -the good, the bad and the ugly – and it has set me free -and I am no longer a slave to certain feelings or fears -Amen). The third lesson learnt, (people of the sun), -is about LOVE. Just because, -YOU LOVE OTHERS -doesn't mean, others love you or have to love you. And just because you were there for them (others) -during and after their pregnancies etc, -it does not mean, -they will or have to be -there for you -during yours.

But that was then -Amen, and Daddy God has done -and continues to heal me and I am no longer angry. I am just, 'VERY PASSIONATE'. In 2009 folks, you find me -with very little drama (well, -very little drama of my own) and poised for my breakthrough -Amen. And because the 'patience thing' -is errrm, - a bit errm, 'difficult for me, (I am a work in progress -folks) -I am taking it very easy. My gorgeous son is -about the only person I can take any drama from, -right now (and bless him, he is such a tease – and I sooo -sort of need a cigarette -but I gave up that habit last year).

Another past friend, and her sister -and her cousin (yes we were like family -at school?) wants to talk about her marriage (what?), and her four children (I love them but -what? You have never met or asked for my son -please). She wants to talk about going back to her job as a cashier (what?); talk about putting on weight (well, haven't we all, sweetheart?) and finally, -arrange for all of us to meet up (are you for real, -I no longer know you, -and the last time I saw you -the 'Gerry Curl' was in fashion -please). Guess what folks? I didn't reply -(because I am a lady blah, blah -and I will not be drawn into her drama). She, on the other hand, -continues to send me -gifts via facebook (I have set up another account, -for people I want to talk to).

I am sure that many of you -will think me harsh, -but until you get to a place -where you only want -what you want (and can do nothing else) -you wouldn't be able to relate. I remember a friend (a real one) -about ten years ago (a few years after the birth of her gorgeous son) -telling me, -she, no longer wanted to digest, talk about, be about, or think about, -her, 'FEELINGS' -I can now relate. Because there comes a time, when you leave the Dr Phil's of this world -behind (not because they are no good -but because you have out grown that particular stage -and are no longer -about, TALKING ABOUT IT -but are about 'DOING IT -because as DIDDY said, 'YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT, TO WIN IT' -and I am very much -in it, -and poised for the NEXT STAGE. And only God, can help me -now. Because no one can help you, -when the place you find yourself -is no longer enough.

No one can help you -when you are after finances (to start a business, because people usually disappear when it comes to money -don't they), or your HOME is no longer [big] enough, -or your business can no longer contain you, or you have out grow -your location (because the Ghetto is cute and edgy -but after you have a baby -it is not enough -or safe enough etc), -or you are fed-up, with being broke, busted and frustrated (sweetheart only God can help in these situations). And you know, when you are in this predicament – just the wrong word / conversation ( cheapness, gossip, the mediocre, the ordinary, rubbish, boyfriend blah blahs, wot-less-ness, crap etc etc) -can send you over the edge. And so I keep quiet, -picking and choosing whom, I let in -and whom, I leave out. Choosing light (very, very light) conversations over -deep, deep, deep and even deeper S-h-i-t-t-t......Choosing to do more research and gain more knowledge about – my chosen dream venture; -poised as always, for that day, -that moment, -that second (because I know it's around the corner -Amen) -for my breakthrough. And so I persist, tenaciously; -allowing, -only for my son's (and mine own) laughter, the games we play together, -our precious moments together, my work, my blogs, a few selected friends and some family.

Thankfully, -there is goodness and beauty -in quietness. I have found to my surprise -that I have become THANKFUL. The traffic of noise (apart from my son's) that reigned in my home, -the noise of unfruitful conversation(s), the undue stress of other people's drama etc, -has abated and -the stillness, the emptiness (total emptiness -when my son is at school is delicious) and the feeling of peace (sometimes) -has made me truly thankful. I now thank my creator -more, -and daily -for his goodness, -and whilst I am doing this, -I find myself (somehow) closer to where I want to be -Amen.